British Open: Amateur Paul Dunne soars to top of leaderboard

CBC Sports ^ | 7/19/15 | Doug Ferguson

[fhayek]

An amateur is leading the British Open.

Paul Dunne, a 22-year-old Irishman, claimed the top spot all to himself with a birdie on the 10th hole Sunday. That took his overall score to 11 under, pushing him ahead of a group that included Jordan Spieth.

Dunne played collegiately at Alabama-Birmingham and went through qualifying to earn his spot in the Open. He plans to turn professional later this summer and try to claim a spot on the European Tour.

For now, he's the one everyone is chasing at the home of golf. There hasn't been an amateur winner of the Open since Bobby Jones in

[fhayek]

Fascinating Open Championship. We are only in the Third Round due to weather stoppages. Final round is tomorrow.

[FlJoePa]

If they refuse to dial back the ball or the equipment, then they need to leave St. Andrews out of the future rotation. The only way to make it difficult enough is to speed up the greens. Then when the wind blows, it’s unplayable.

I’ve played it twice and enjoyed it, but it’s too easy for these guys.

[fhayek]

Easy, unless you are playing into a gale coming off the North Sea.

[Oldhunk]

I’ll be rooting for 21 year old Jordan Spieth to win the third leg of the grand slam tomorrow. Seems like a great guy.

[jazusamo]

I’ll be rooting for Jordan Spieth along with you.

[max americana]

if Spieth wasn’t in the hunt for the GS, I am all for it but Dustin Johnson faltered again, poor guy.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

There are only 34 Rules Of Golf.

Email me if you want on the Golf Ping List:

Visit PGA.com, an excellent site.

[Veto!]

Oh good, another young Irishman. BUT, according to SBNation.com:

“Paul Dunne is tied for the 54-hole lead at The Open, but his bank account won’t receive a six, or seven-figure deposit regardless of how he plays in the final round. The 22-year-old Dunne is an amateur and ineligible to receive any prize money this week, including $1.8 million if he were to win.

“Every now and then, an amateur plays well in a major and misses out on a significant payday. Those are usually in low six-figures, however, and not nearly $2 million. No amateur has won a major championship since Johnny Goodman won the U.S. Open in 1933. The last amateur to win the British Open was Bobby Jones in 1930.”

I hope he wins. I love this sport for many reasons, one big one is that newcomers can change the game very quickly. Exciting.

[Moonman62]

I’ve been pulling for Spieth since the first day of the Masters. Dunne is older than Spieth in case anyone wants to know.

[Veto!]

Older thanks Spieth by a few months.
I’m still rooting for Rory even though he isn’t playing…..:)

[fhayek]

In the post-Tiger era, there are a lot of stories to root for. Spieth for the grand slam. Dunne for an unknown amateur. Johnson for the heartache that he must have gone through. Oosthuizen, Harrington. Jason Day. Sergio. I love golf when it gets like this.

[MHGinTN]

What time does the TV coverage begin on Monday? Have to arrange my schedule like I do for the Masters.

[fhayek]

Not sure. But its early. Like 7:00 am. I will look it up.

[MHGinTN]

Thanks. No need. I’m seem to recall it started that early today. The time difference makes 7AM sound about right. It will Probably all be over by 4PM ... unless there is a tie at the end of regulation.

[mojo114]

ESPN starts coverage at 6:00 a.m. EST.

[MHGinTN]

Will there be regular alphabet network coverage?

[Rummyfan]

Seventeen at or within four shots of the lead. A lot depends on the weather today, but it should be an interesting final round. Dustin Johnson didn’t take advantage of great scoring conditions yesterday and let a score of players back in the tournament. Go Jordan Speith!

[Rummyfan]

ESPN WAS ADVERTISING YESTERDAY THAT THEIR COVERAGE WOULD BEGIN AT 11 AM Eastern.

[Rummyfan]

Sorry for the caps lock.

[Rummyfan]

Another amateur, Ollie Schneiderjans, from Georgia Tech, -6 through ten holes and at -10 overall. Go Ollie!!!!